THE public can now have its say on a grand multimillion- pound scheme that aims to create thousands of jobs and homes across the south.

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is pumping £30m into projects across the region that will unlock 1,600 new jobs, more than 2,200 new homes and nearly 200,000 square metres of employment space.

Now businesses, public sector organisations and residents in the region are invited to have their say over the major projects earmarked for funding.

The projects would cost around £30m to complete in the next two years and the Solent LEP will be allocated £19.2m of Government funding as part of its strategic economic plan.

The partnership believes the projects will improve transport and boost the local economy.

Schemes identified for funding include the Station Quarter North project in Southampton and the A27 Station Roundabout and Gudge Heath Lane junction improvements in Fareham.

The remaining £10.65m of investment would be committed from partners under the LEP’s proposals.

Gary Jeffries, Solent LEP chairman, said: “The local transport body has worked hard to prioritise major transport programmes to unlock economic growth in the Solent region and these schemes form a central part of our plans to upgrade our local transport infrastructure to unlock sites for new homes and jobs.

“Our local authority partners have demonstrated their commitment to bringing forward these schemes and are backing them with an investment of close to £11m.

“This joined-up investment approach will allow us to maximise the impact of the funding for the benefit of the region. We look forward to receiving comments on the four proposals in the coming weeks as we work to secure funds through our local growth deal.”

Anyone who would like to provide feedback or comment on the schemes is asked to e-mail info@solentlep.org.uk no later than August 19.

The Projects:

Station Quarter North

MILLIONS of train passengers will benefit from an overhauled railway station after a £10m investment.

Work to transform the north side of Southampton railway station began in February.

The first phase, which costs £2.28m, will eventually see major improvements carried out in the area over the next decade.

There will be a new taxi rank, traffic-calming measures, paving, kerbs and drainage.

Extensive work will be carried out on road surfaces and there will be improved pedestrian crossing areas.

Work on the first phase is set to be completed in October.

It is part of a scheme to redevelop both sides of the station, as well as a major refurbishment of the station itself.

It is envisaged passengers can enjoy views of the waterfront, cafes and shops once the project is complete.

A27 Station Roundabout and Gudge Heath Lane junction improvements in Fareham

NEARLY £5m of Solent LEP cash will be spent on improving traffic flow on a major transport route in Fareham.

The work, which was approved by Hampshire County Council, focuses on the A27, with improvements to Station Roundabout and the junction of Gudge Heath Lane.

Work got under way on the scheme in February this year, which will lead to an inclusion of a new bus gate at the intersection of the A27 Western Way and Western Road and alterations to the existing A27 bus lane on the approach to the station roundabout.

The scheme aims to provide the opportunity to better manage traffic in the heavily congested area and remove transport barriers to economic growth to help reverse decline in the area.